The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) has announced the resignation of its CEO, Adelee Le Grand, following an investigation into her conduct. The decision to part ways with Le Grand was made by the agency’s board of directors after allegations of creating a hostile work environment and mismanagement of funds surfaced.

Investigation Unveils Hostile Work Environment and Mismanagement

An independent attorney, David Adams, conducted an investigation into Le Grand’s conduct at HART. The findings revealed that she had fostered an environment of fear and intimidation, resulting in an unusually high turnover of administrative staff. Employees were reportedly afraid to speak up, fearing repercussions. The investigation also highlighted concerns over mismanagement of severance payouts to former employees, which further added to the controversy surrounding Le Grand’s leadership.

Allegations of Double-Dipping Employee Raise Eyebrows

The board of directors became particularly troubled by the discovery that one of Le Grand’s highest-paid employees was double-dipping, holding positions in both the Tampa and New Orleans transit authorities simultaneously. While Le Grand denied knowledge of the situation, email evidence suggested otherwise. The board raised questions about her potential violation of HART policy and Florida law.

Adelee Le Grand’s Defense and Board’s Criticism

Adelee Le Grand’s attorney, Steven Wenzel, defended her against the allegations, arguing that she was brought in as the eighth CEO in a decade to implement necessary changes within the organization. Wenzel questioned whether the repeated hiring of CEOs indicated fundamental issues within HART that needed to be addressed. However, board member Joshua Wostal criticized Le Grand’s performance, emphasizing the need for a functional bus service in East Tampa that was not met under her leadership.

Interim CEO Appointed and Future of HART

Following Le Grand’s resignation, Scott Drainville assumed the role of interim CEO at HART. The agency is expected to conduct a search for a permanent CEO in the future. The focus will be on finding a leader who can address the community’s needs and restore confidence in HART’s operations.

The departure of Adelee Le Grand marks a significant turning point for HART as it navigates through a period of scrutiny and seeks to regain stability in its leadership. The investigation’s findings have shed light on the importance of fostering a positive work environment and ensuring transparency in the management of public funds. The search for a new CEO presents an opportunity for HART to reevaluate its practices and prioritize the needs of the community it serves.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the background of Adelee Le Grand, the former CEO of HART?

  Adelee Le Grand served as the CEO of the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART). Unfortunately, as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, I couldn’t find specific information about her background, qualifications, or prior experience. For the most up-to-date information, I recommend referring to news sources or conducting an internet search.

• What are the main responsibilities of the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART)?

  The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) is responsible for providing bus service in the Hillsborough County area. Its main responsibilities include managing and operating public transportation services, developing and implementing transit plans, maintaining bus routes and schedules, ensuring passenger safety and comfort, and collaborating with local stakeholders to meet the community’s transportation needs.

• What were the specific allegations against Adelee Le Grand during the investigation?

  The investigation into Adelee Le Grand’s conduct at HART revealed several allegations. It found that she created an environment of fear and intimidation, leading to abnormal administrative turnover. Additionally, there were concerns about mismanagement of severance payouts to former employees. The board also raised questions about a double-dipping employee working in both Tampa and New Orleans transit authorities, and whether Le Grand had knowledge or involvement in that situation.

• Who is the current interim CEO of HART following Adelee Le Grand’s departure?

  As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, I do not have information about the current interim CEO of HART following Adelee Le Grand’s departure. To find the most recent and accurate information, I suggest referring to news sources or conducting an internet search.